A student from the Ranitar-based Araniko Lower Secondary School complained to the District Education Officer Gyan Mani Nepal about frequent absence of his teacher Jaya Nembang through a text message. “Sir, Gyan sir skips classes to sell ginger. Please do inspection,” the message read.

The District Education Office (DEO) then initiated action against Nembang, who was asked to furnish clarification for a similar complaint earlier.

A parent from the village also sent a text message to Nepal complaining about a resource person’s failure to look after schools. Requesting not to be named, the parent asked Nepal whether action taken against the teacher who did not attend classes for many days during the recent election was initiated or not.

Students, parents and teachers in the district have started complaining about problems in the education system through text messages and phone calls lately, helping the DEO initiate action against the guilty. “We have provided telephone number of our office to students, parents and teachers. We take action against the guilty as soon as we receive complaints,” Nepal said.

He also said efforts are under way to retire two teachers who are accused of irregularity. “We sought clarification from 25 teachers for the second time so far while 15 others are warned of action,” he said, adding that he has also warned of action against assigned resource persons and school inspectors if they fail to take action against the guilty.

“The teachers who are disciplined and committed towards teaching profession are encouraged by this effort,” he said. Students, parents and teachers are also encouraged after the DEO started taking action against the guilty in order to improve the quality of education, the DEO staffers said.

Nepal said he himself inspected around 150 schools so far in the district and that he also plans to make academic calendar and control irregularities in schools.